Mics Out

The cost of F1's decision to cancel Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GPs

F1 has confirmed this year’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Both races were set to take place in April and, with no replacements lined up, there will now be a five-week gap in the Formula One schedule between visits to Japan on 29th March and Miami on 3rd May. But, outside of the loss of on-track action, this decision has serious financial implications for the sport. Mics Out breaks down the ramifications.

Why MotoGP isn't F1 on two wheels

As MotoGP begins its first full season under Liberty Media ownership, questions remain around the future direction of the series. This week, Mics Out host Cian Brittle sits down with MotoGP's managing director of global marketing, Kelly Brittain, to find out how the championship wants to position itself. As Liberty continues to adopt a cautious approach to its new motorsport series, MotoGP management has made a series of apparent F1-inspired decisions – but launching a unique and independent marketing strategy will be crucial for any future success.

Nascar 2026 season preview and F1 signs surprise Barcelona extension

After Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 to kickstart another season, Mics Out picks out the key narratives set to dominate a season of new beginnings and unknowns in Nascar. How will permanent charters affect team values and investment moving forward? And will the absence of Steve Phelps have a long-term impact on the sport's direction? Listen out for the full discussion, as well as analysis of Formula 1's decision to offer a surprise contract extension to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Cian and Tom also discuss the line between sport and entertainment after Formula E let influencers loose behind the wheel in Jeddah.

Nascar 2026 season preview and F1 signs surprise Barcelona extension

After Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 to kickstart another season, Mics Out picks out the key narratives set to dominate a season of new beginnings and unknowns in Nascar. How will permanent charters affect team values and investment moving forward? And will the absence of Steve Phelps have a long-term impact on the sport's direction? Listen out for the full discussion, as well as analysis of Formula 1's decision to offer a surprise contract extension to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Cian and Tom also discuss the line between sport and entertainment after Formula E let influencers loose behind the wheel in Jeddah.

Which F1 team has started 2026 with the best sponsorship strategy?

One month into the new year and Formula 1 has barely paused for breath on the commercial front. At the time of recording, 34 partnerships had been announced - a rate of more than one per day. But which team has cut through the noise to make the best impression so far? Cian and Tom review the sponsorship strategies of each team on the F1 grid and picks out the deals which have particularly caught the eye. The team also look back over the shakedown in Barcelona and ask the all-important question: does it actually matter?